Ball-Playing Centre-Back

Similar to goalkeepers, the role of centre-backs has changed. Some of them are still solely focused on the defending aspect, yet other centre-backs are more comfortable on the ball. Thus they not only play simple passes to the team-mates in front of them, but create goal-scoring opportunities by pushing forward or playing laser passes. The development of high pressing and higher defensive intensity forced centre-backs to evolve. Moreover, the lack of man-to-man marking and the concept of zonal defence move the basic position of a centre-back forward. Even in the 1990s, there were a few playmaking centre-backs such as Frank Rijkaard.